Lemon balm's botanical name,
Melissa, comes from the Greek word mel, meaning honey, and
the herb has a long association with bees and the healing power of their
products. Lemon Balm was regarded by the Greeks as a cure-all. Lemon Balm
is said to be such a favorite with bees that if hives are rubbed with its
leaves the insects will never swarm and always return. Lemon balm has been
considered over the centuries as being as valuable as honey for treating
wounds and equal in tonic effect to royal jelly.

John Gerard
declared that it "comforteth the hart and driveth away all
melancholie and sadnesse", while it was praised by Paracelsus as an
"elixir of youth" which he made into a preparation called
primum ens melissae. As late as the 18th century, Lemon Balm was
still being recommended in "canary wine" to "renew
youth".

Today, we regard Lemon Balm more prosaically as a
carminative and sedative, useful to reduce body temperature in fever and a
gentle herb for treating nervous tummy upsets in children. It is, however,
potent enough to help with depression and anxiety and to relieve tension
headaches.

Lemon Balm tea made from a handful of fresh leaves makes
a refreshing and restorative drink at the end of the day, although it
needs to be dried with care to avoid losing too much of the characteristic
lemon flavor. Externally, lemon balm creams can be used on insect bites,
sores and slow-healing wounds. Lemon Balm essential oil is used in
aromatherapy for nervous problems but is also valuable, well-diluted in
sprays, for keeping insects away.